Valyrian Steel
Chapter 13
The Dragon Prince
Aegon Targaryen VI was hiding, not from enemy forces but from something far more fearsome, his cousin Arianne Martell, her Sand Snakes and the Tyrells. Keeping the Martells and Tyrells from tearing eachother's throats out was difficult enough without both vying for a marriage alliance with him. The only level headed one was Willas Tyrell, but he could only do so much facing his father's bumbling machinations and Ariannes increasingly transparent attempts to seduce him. She was beautiful no doubt, but she reminded him a bit of a predator, not to mention a marriage to her would be pointless. Doran had already offered his full support of his nephew, and the Tyrells had almost handed him Dragon Stone after Cersei Lannister had attempted to hold Margaery hostage. She was a sweet girl, although sometimes he spotted something cunning in those doe eyes before she covered that look with a congenial smile. Duck had told him that the sharks were circling and he was the wounded seal. A disturbing metaphor which had become increasingly true since word of Daenerys' departure from Essos had arrived.
The best thing for his war effort would be a union with Daenerys. She had dragons, a fortune and an army of seventu-thousand. By all accounts she was a beautiful and fair ruler who did not shy away from bloodshed when necessary. Aegon feared that she would overpower him, with such a large following and the wealth of Essos behind her, not to mention dragons, how could she not. If- when Aegon managed to tame one of the dragons, she would have to accept him as a Targaryen and an equal. All questions of his parentage would drift away and he could negotiate on more even ground.
Aegon heard voices approaching and he sank farther behind the dragon statue, hoping it's shadows would conceal him.
"Blasted servants let the fire go out in my room," Garlan Tyrells voice rang out in the hall. His brother, Willas, sighed "Winter is Coming."
"Winter has come! Fucking chill almost took my toes." The brothers laughed along the hallway and Aegons mind drifted towards his own brother.
Jon Connington had admitted to knowing about the bastard born to Lyanna Stark and his father Rhaegar Targaryen, after Aegon confronted him. Connington had dismissed Aegon's concerns and desires to meet his brother, he said that the boy did not matter and would only threaten his legitimacy. Wylla, formely known to him as Septa Lemore, had been there for his brother's birth and Lyanna's death. She told him that she had wet-nursed Jon Snow for his first few months of life before Eddard Stark had ferreted him away to Winterfell. Aegon had lost Rhaenys to the Lannisters, he would not lose Jon Snow.
A horn blasted drawing Aegon from thoughts of his brother to Daenerys. Aegon rushed towards the nearest Eastern facing balcony and looked out at the Sea. A fleet was approaching and Aegon was thankful for Willas' preparation for the large army with reserves from the Reach. Aegon pulled his spyglass from his side and aimed it toward the approaching Fleet. Dragons flew overhead and Aegon understood why so many compared Drogon to Belarion the Black dread, even at this distance the dragon looked massive. His siblings weaved and dived alongside him and Aegon noticed a silver haired rider on Drogon. They veered South away from Dragon Stone while the fleet continued towards the docks. He wondered if she was already making way to march South.
Aegon turned and sprinted through the castle to make his way towards the docks. He ignored Arianne who called out to him, and muttered a halfhearted apology to Aurane Waters when he bumped into him. When he reached the docks Connington shot him a stern glare.
"It would be prudent to present a regal front my king."
Aegon realized he was out of breath and stood up straight, he calmed himself and made his way to the docks at a respectable pace.
Tyrion, Varys, Ser Barristan Selmy and an Unsullied disembarked first followed by two beautiful women wearing gowns the color of a sunset. Orange and blazes of deep purple and blue were dyed across the gown mirroring a sunset. They were of a similar age and height, the Naathi girl was shivering under the chill and the Unsullied offered her a cloak which she graciously accepted. She had a rounds shaped face, eyes of honey, and long black hair. Aegon assumed that this was Daenerys' Naathi handmaiden and confidant, Missandei. The other had pale porcelain skin and a heart shaped face with large doe-like deep blue eyes that he had thought were violet at first. Despite her gentle delicate features, she seemed unaffected by the chill and politely refused the cloak offered to her despite the lightness of her dress. Tyrion smiled at Aegon mischievously until a lovely blonde girl with green eyes distracted him with a question. Tyrion fixed his attention on her and the dark haired woman beside her.
The Naathi girl began to speak to her companion, until the other girl drew Aegon to her attention.
"The dragon speaks High Valyrian" she said with a serene smile that Missandei did not share
"No worries Lya, I'll switch to Ghiscari."
"Also known to him"
Missandei proceeded to list the language she knew and Lya continued to eliminate the languages he spoke by watching Aegon's reactions. It was uncanny, he could swear that he was betraying no emotions but she watched him and knew. Finally they settled on Bravossi tongue.
Jon Connington addressed the disembarking party, "You are in the presence of King Aegon Targaryen the VI, the rightful King of the seven kingdoms. You should be kneeling"
They all froze save for the blonde girl who giggled while her mother shushed her and Lya hid her smile behind her hands. Ser Barristan Selmy stood tall, "That remains to be seen"
Connington stepped towards Selmy who placed his hand on his sword, Aegon was about to speak up when Missandei interrupted.
"We do not deny or accept these claims, it is up to Aegon to prove himself. Queen Daenerys Stormborn Targaryen, Khaleesi to the Dothraki, Breaker of Chains, Mother of Dragons will decide this on her return. It would be pointless to belabor the point."
"Apologies Lady Missandei", Aegon said stepping in front of Connington and shooting him a glare. "My man is very dedicated and a tad impatient. Dragon Stone is home to any friend of the Targaryens, please make yourself at home. May I inquire the location of your Queen?"
"She is hunting, her children fed on fish and whale for the trip though she wishes to make sure they do not terrorize the countryside." Lya said pleasantly.
"May we show you to your chambers?" Aegon said welcomingly.
Lya and Missandei bowed in unison and followed Aegon who led the way. Connington tried to draw his attention but Aegon ignored him. The man was like a father to him, but he had to learn his place.
Aegon chatted amicably with Ser Barristan, the man was a legend and although he was old, he seemed strong. Tyrion took an opportunity during the lull in the conversation to introduce his wife and daughter. Aegon was intrigued by this secret family and decided he would inquire about them in private. Lya and Missandei spoke in Bravossi, he only managed to make out a few words. They were talking about where to place the men and Lya mentioned a hunt.
"There will be a feast to welcome you, the Martells and Tyrells will be in attendance along with a few of my men. I would be most honored if all of you would attend."
Daenerys' handmaidens' accepted graciously. Missandei asked that they be housed in the Queens quarters, the three often shared a bed. Aegon accepted and excused himself after leaving them to their destination. As he and Connington passed by Lya covered her nose and mouth with her hand and stepped as far away from them as possible.
"Death follows you dragon prince, be sure it does not follow too closely lest you and your men fall to the gray." She murmured in high Valyrian motioning towards Connington and walked away.
Aegon was confused to say the least and when they were out of earshot Connington asked him what "that girl" said.
"She called you death, said that I had to take care that you did not follow too closely or we will fall to the gray. Probably playing mind games." Aegon said with a shrug.
Connington stopped in his tracks and looked back, "How?" he whispered
"Is there something I should be concerned about?" Aegon asked with surprise. Connington was not the sort of man to pay any heed to soothsayers or the machinations of women.
"No my King, nothing at all. I must go and make preparation fo Daenerys' troops. Excuse me." Connington bowed and marched stiffly away.
Aegon would have focused more on Connington's reaction, were it not for the approach of Arianne Martell. He quickly excused himself and made his way to the kitchens to make sure none of the Sand Snakes got any ideas.
)O(
The feast began with a song from a very popular Bard names Tom o' Sevenstreams, and Daenerys' court listened with polite interest. Aegon sat at the head of the table with Jon Connington and Willas Tyrell, Connington acted as a buffer between Aegon and Arianne while Willas did the same for his sister. Aegon took the first bite of the wild boar the hunters had managed to trap this morning. The rest of his court began to eat but Daenerys' court seemed to wait for something. A cat landed on the table and sniffed the meet on Lady Lya's plate. Once it started to eat the rest of the party happily dug in.
"I have no intention of poisoning anyone in this party." Aegon said in what he hoped was a kind voice.
"Apologies my lord, but we take these precautions before each meal." Missandei spoke softly as she cut into her meat.
"Is your queen so careful?" Arianne asked with a suspicious smile.
"I insisted on it," Lya said with a serene smile that seemed to annoy Arianne.
"I'm sorry I haven't been introduced, you are?" Willas asked trying to turn the conversation somewhere else.
"Lya Snow, Daenerys Targaryen's handmaiden. I've only recently come into her employ." Lya turned towards the bard and smiled. "Might I make a request?"
"Of course my lady" Tom said with an exaggerated bow and a smile that bordered on a leer.
"Forest love." As Tom played her eyes drifted to some far off place while he sang of a noble meeting a wild woman in the woods.
Varys was speaking amicably with Tyrions new wife and daughter while Tyrion asked about the situation in Westeros.
"Riverrun is being run by a band of bandits popular with the people called the Brotherhood without Banners. BlackFish Tully seems to be in league with them since they helped free Edmure Tully and his wife. They refuse any attempts we've made at contact and the only sign of life within is when they hang another Frey or Lannister." Willas answered drawing his attention away from Daenerys' handmaidens. A smile played across Lya's lips when Willas described a particularly brutal execution of Emmon Frey.
"How is it that a bastard from the North becomes such a close confidant to Daenerys Targaryen?" Nymeria asked with a keen look.
Lya drew her eyes from Tom and looked calmly at the Sand Snakes. Aegon felt as if he was watching two predators coming across each other. Nymeria, Obara and Tyene were watching her with hungry interest while Arianne smiled.
"I served a cousin of hers in Braavos, The Black Pearl of Braavos, Bellegere Otherys, the most beautiful woman in Braavos. I sold her clams as a child and she took me into her employ. Trained me in certain arts. When she heard that her cousin was in need of a trustworthy handmaiden she sent me."
"From a Courtesans apprentice to confidant of a Queen, my you have risen high." Tyene said with a gentle smile that seemed to mirror Lya's.
"Sadly I did not have the honor of being apprenticed to the great Daughter of the Dusk. My role was slightly different." Lya sipped her wine and offered no more information.
"Such a lovely gold necklace you wear lady Missandei, tell me is it true that your Queen killed her brother with gold?" Arianne asked with a sweet smile, Missandei stiffened and Aegon resisted the urge to groan. His damn cousin spared no chance to try and convince him that Daenerys inherited the madness of her father.
"Dissapointed that you missed your chance to marry a Targaryen?" Lya said with equal sweetness that surprised Arianne.
"I've seen the contract your father and the Sealord drew up. You should be grateful the Queen spared you from marriage to a mad fool. Only an idiot would point a blade to the pregnant belly of a Khaleesi, in front of her Khal and his entire Khalisar of forty-thousand strong in the middle of Vaes Dothrak. Should I pass on your thanks to my Queen?" Lya said ignoring Tyrions laugh and Arianne's anger.
"No, I believe I can do this myself." She said with a glare.
Missandei tilted her head with mock innocence. "How nice, we will make preparations to receive you."
"Wenda the White Fawn." Lya said to Tom who had begun plucking a tune and had stopped singing.
The meal continued with Missandei and Lya skillfully deflecting questions and veiled insults while Willas and Aegon tried to keep the peace. This is why Aegon valued Willas' input, while everyone ran hot he kept a cool head and gave wise cautious counsel.
At one point Selmy, Tyrion, his wife and Lya sang the Bear and the Maiden fair with gusto while Lanna Lannister laughed and applauded. Dessert was served and Arianne mentioned to him that her father would be arriving within the month with additional forces. In the middle of the conversation both Lya and Missandei stood, the Unsullied that had accompanied them followed and Selmy joined.
"It seems our Queen has arrived." Tyrion said with a smile as he stood up and took his daughters hand. Everyone rose to follow including Aegon until a plump had seized his wrist.
"There is something you must know my Prince." Varys said in a low voice. "The situation has changed, Lya is not what she seems she is—" Varys was cut off by the cat from earlier rubbing against his leg with a purr. A raven by the window cawed "Secret" and Varys paled. He brought his sleeve to his mouth and adopted his foppish persona.
"Silly me keeping you from your future queen, mind me not. The wine has reached my head." He giggled and walked lightly away.
Aegon, Connington and Duck exchanged glances. Now was not the time to dwell on Varys' eccentricities, Aegon would get to the bottom of this after meeting with Daenerys.
In the center of the courtyard stood a massive black dragon with fiery blood red eyes, and horns that distinguished him from the rest of the black stone dragons. He was saddled and the fires that lit the courtyard illuminated blood still on his snout. Drogon was massive and dwarfed all but the castle around him. He turned his attention to Aegon who stilled. The Dragon tilted his head with some interest before his "mother" drew his gaze. She started to unsaddle him with the help of her handmaidens, a surprise to everyone. Aegon stood patiently to the side happy to watch and learn everything he could about dragons.
Connington muttered that this was intended as a slight and Aegon chuckled. "Dragons wait for no one. See how happy he is to be out of the saddle, he's purring like a kitten."
"First dragon to set foot in Westeros for over one-hundred and fifty years." Willas said sharing his amazement.
"I'd be more focused on the dragon you're set on marrying." Aurane said with a tilt of his head drawing Aegons attention.
Deanerys Stormborn Targaryen lived up to the stories about her beauty, she was considered the most beautiful woman in the world and Aegon did not doubt the title. She looked like a Targaryen with the blood of Valyria strong in her features and a crown of Dragons on her head. Daenerys was wearing a black dress with red lace and an intricate breastplate made of Valyrian Steel. She was flaunting her heritage, that much was obvious. He could not fault her for it since he too was wearing her house colors and carrying a Valyrian Steel blade of his own, Blackfyre. Given to him by the Golden Company, the blade of his ancestor Aegon I Targaryen and a powerful symbol to legitimize his claim. Not as powerful as a dragon, but close enough.
Daenerys patted Drogons side and lovingly sent him off. He rose high and disappeared over the roof of the castle, Lya and Missandei chatted with her in High Valyrian and drew her attention to his presence. Her expression changed from relaxed and cheerful to serious and reserved. She was the Queen.
Aegon approached hoping he looked half as regal as she did."Welcome home." He said with a slight inclination of his head. She smiled in response.
)O(
Aegon sat at the war table and updated Daenerys on the situation in Westeros, Willas added valuable intel. Daenerys listened but Aegon was almost certain that she already knew everything.
"The Vale claims that they have Sansa Stark. Jon Snow has verified their claims, she's set to marry Harrold Hardyng. If we can get their allegiance we can add the Vale's forces to ours and possibly Riverrun." Aegon said hoping to get a reaction from Daenerys who merely raised an eyebrow. Lya however leaned forward and instead of her serene expression she seemed concerned and whispered in the Queens ear. Daenerys told her to calm herself but Lya looked at the carvings of the Vale with frustration. Aegon had finally garnered a reaction, he would have to send a diplomatic group to the Vale within the week.
"The Vale can wait, I need access to your ravens to send some letters North. The Northern Lords have to true leader, a few follow Boltons out of fear, yet Lannister gold cannot keep them in power for long. Others follow Stannis, however his red witch is driving them away in droves. The rest refuse to treat with anyone not bearing the name Stark. It's time that they gathered and chose a side."
"The rookery is yours to use freely although I would like to speak in private about an alliance before committing more resources to you."
"Of course, we may continue in my quarters. Just give me some time to situate myself, I had a long ride." Daenerys said as her handmaidens bowed and left with her.
"Auntie dear may I have a dragon?" Tyrion said in jest after she left.
"You disappeared in Pentos, had I known that you were going to go to Daenerys I would have sent a message with you." Aegon said with a narrowed gaze
"Not willingly", Tyrion said with a wave of his hand. "You can thank Jorah Mormont for depriving you of my company. Though that would be difficult considering that he died killing our queen's latest husband."
"So it's true?" Willas asked leaning in. "Three husbands dead before their time."
"This one was dead before the fourth course. He insisted on a bedding, she rejected the notion that she would be stripped bare before her court and he threw a fit. He attacked, as if he stood some chance, with an enchanted horn that took control of Viserion, the three dragons fought and Daenrys managed to regain control. She supposedly tossed the horn into an active volcano. She has the support of the Iron Bank and the Iron Born that Victarion brought with him either died or joined her for a fat coin purse."
"She would not like you telling us this." Aurane Waters added.
"She would not care, over five-hundred witnesses, word would reach you eventually." Tyrion said with a shrug.
"She reacted when we told her about Sansa Stark in the Vale, though her handmaiden seemed more concerned." Aegon mentioned and watched Tyrion closely.
"She's a northern girl, loves the Starks." Tyrion sipped his wine with a smile.
"Of course," Willas deadpanned.
"Will she agree to the marriage?" Aegon asked
"If you manage to do what Quentyn Martell could not." Tyrion said as he waddled away.
Aegon turned towards his men and awaited their input. Connington spoke first.
"She slighted you and doesn't show the proper deference." He spat.
"Daenerys is a queen and a conqueror, she rules unofficially over all of Essos commands an army and brought dragons back into the world. No one questions her lineage or her capabilities. We just barely freed the Reach from the Iron Born and kept Euron's forces at bay, not to mention the Lannisters chipping away at out Southern forces. She has the upper hand and she knows it." Willas answered calmly and truthfully.
"She's a beauty, no one can deny that, but who would really rule?" Duck added with uncharacteristic seriousness.
"When you tame a dragon you'll be on equal footing. You'll have the blade, the queen and the dragon. No one will deny your lineage." Aurane said with certainty.
"If I can," Aegon said as he ran his fingers through his hair. "Did you see the size of him?"
"You didn't seem too concerned over his size when he was in the courtyard, plus reports say that the others are smaller." Duck said with a slap on his back that made Aegon smile.
"I'll need her help, I don't want to make the same mistake as Quentyn."
"Speaking of the Martells, your dear cousin is going to start trouble with Daenerys." Aurane said with a smile.
"Honestly just marry her yourself and get her off my back, I know your sleeping with her." Aegon said with a frustrated growl.
"You said she was becoming a nuisance, I just decided to occupy her time." He said with a grin.
Aegon sighed "I need to visit Daenerys tonight in private, I doubt her handmaidens or guards will leave her side. Duck, Jon and Willas will accompany me. Aurane, make sure that the kitchens know the Sand Snakes are forbidden from the premises and tell the guards that we need an extra rotation on their hall. Dependable men."
Aurane nodded and left them while Aegon made his way to Daenerys' quarters. He wracked his brain on how best to approach Daenerys for her dragons, not to mention a wedding proposal. He was so distracted and tense that he almost missed the odd girl perched on the roof outside one of the windows. Aegon stopped and took a step back. She was small, not much taller than five feet, crouched down and feeding a raven a square of cheese. Her hair was dark brown and messy, braided lazily to the side as if she had given up and stopped halfway through. He spotted a Bravossi blade on one hip and a Valyrian steel dagger on the other. A light linen tunic, leather pants and boots were worn haphazardly on her slight frame but she showed no signs of feeing the chill in the air. Aegon couldn't quite make out her face.
"Skaggos" the raven cawed as it snatched the cheese from her fingers and hopped off to enjoy its prize.
"I don't think ravens can eat cheese." Aegon said with a grin.
The girl launched up into the air and spun grabbing her blade. Her face was angular, eyes a striking shade of grey and she looked pissed. Aegon took a step back and motioned for Connington and Duck to calm down.
"Didn't mean to frighten you, it's just that the maesters get so particular about what their ravens eat." Aegon added in a friendly tone.
The raven flew away and the odd girl…woman stomped her foot in frustration turned and threw half a weel of cheese at his head. Aegon managed to dodge but the cheese hit his shoulder, bounced, and hit Willas square in the face. "Stupid! You scared it off!" She said motioning to the raven that had flown away.
"Girl, do you know who this is?!" Connington asked in anger while Duck was driven to tears with laughter. Aegon bit his lip in a weak attempt to maintain his composure and not join Duck in his inglorious fits of laughter.
"Some scaly whosit prince." She said with a shrug and Willas joined Duck leaning against the wall and trying to cover up his laugh by feigning pain in his bad leg.
"Get over here this instant you urchin! You've just assaulted your King and the Lord of the Reach!"
"Not my king, not my lord." She said and tossed a loaf of bread at Conningtons' head.
"Fuck off grey griffin!" She yelled as she ran off and hopped from one roof to the other.
Aegon finally relented and laughed clutching his side. Between keeping the peace and putting up a regal front he was exhausted and the odd woman on the roof had shocked him into tired laughs.
"My king this must not stand!" Connington said with a growl.
Aegon pulled himself up still laughing, "Come Connington, the Queen awaits."
When they approached her room two Unsullied stood guard and knocked as they approached. Missandei opened the door and greeted them. They walked in and Aegon was surprised to see the girl from the roof sitting on the bed barefoot and cross-legged scribbling a letter while Daenerys red something by her side.
"What is this urchin doing here?!" Connington asked with anger and Aegon resisted the urge to groan. Both women looked up in surprise and Daenrys immediately shot a look at her companion who grinned and shrugged her shoulders.
Daenerys rolled her eyes and looked apologetically at Aegon and his group. "Apologies, Cat doesn't really care about manners or titles. What was it you called me last time?"
"Dragon Queen, but then I asked if you farted fire." The girl stretched on the bed her shirt riding up to expose a flat belly.
"Yes, you're very creative." Daenerys said with an exasperated sigh.
"He going to ask you to be his queen?" Cat said in a sing song voice that annoyed Aegon.
"Write your letter and keep your tongue." Daenerys said calmly as if she were a mother chastising a child.
Cat laughed and went back to her letter.
"Will you not have your urchin apologize?" Connington asked
"What did she do?" Daenerys asked with a tilt of her head.
"Tossed half a wheel of cheese at the king and a loaf of bread at Lord Connington before running off telling us to fuck off." Duck said with a grin
"Liar! I only told him to fuck off." Cat said something in Dothraki to the Unsullied that caused Daenrys to tense and her guards to watch them closely. The Queen whispered in Cat's ear and the girl calmed down and went back to writing her letter.
"Cat had a unique childhood, bandits, wolves, other unsavory folk. She is half wild and can't be blamed for her lack of manners, though I suspect she knows better. I keep her around for her skill with animals, wolves, bears, cats, even dragons." Daenerys set her letter down and motioned for the men to sit.
"Your other handmaiden could not make it?" Aegon asked looking around for Lya and her calming presence.
"She's making preparations for a journey as we speak. May I see your blade." She asked as she reached out.
Aegon was surprised but he held out his blade and Daenerys took it gently in her hands with a smile.
"Can you believe our forefather may have held this blade in this very room?" she asked as she caressed the blade.
Aegon was relieved that she acknowledged his lineage until she said. "Red or Black, I guess it matters not, you are a dragon."
"You doubt me" Aegon asked holding back his indignation. He thought she would believe, that something in her would recognize him.
"Lya watched you closely, she's been trained to ferret out lies by watching body language and facial expressions. You believe you are the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Elia Martell, but no one else can say for certain. Only Varys knows the truth, and who would trust his word? The people certainly will not." Daenerys said calmy as she handed him back his blade.
"I want to believe you, a part of me does, but I cannot afford the luxury of certainty." Danerys continued as she looked over Cat's shoulder to read her letter.
"Is there to be no alliance?" Aegon asked as coolly as he could manage.
"I never said that, if you can manage to tame a dragon none of that would matter. You know that. It's why you're here. But I cannot give you a dragon, they are not pets or possessions. They have minds of their own. What I can provide you with is a chance. Tomorrow morning Rhaegal and Viserion will nest here, if you approach them with me and Drogon, they will not attack." Danerys continued and rose from her bed to serve herself some wine.
"Nettles tamed Sheepstealer by feeding him every day for months," Cat said as she chewed her lip and glared at the page in front of her. "You should have an offering ready."
Daenerys nodded, "Rhaegal and Viserion are different, it will take different approaches to handle them. You must not forget that there are two, there will come a time when you will have to choose which to tame. When that time comes tell me, Cat and I will make sure that the others will not be there to do to you what was done to Quentyn. If you manage we will announce an engagement."
Aegon looked to his advisors, Connington seemed to be holding in vitriol while Willas looked at him with a cool expression. This was the best they could hope for.
"Thank you for your time Queen Daenerys, is there anything else you would like to ask."
"Not at the moment King Aegon, is there anything else I can help you with?"
"Nothing that can't wait till morning." He said with a bow, she inclined her head in respect and they departed.
)O(
Aegon walked the courtyard, he knew that Daenerys had been more than kind but he had expected to be greeted like a lost family member. He knew he was being ridiculous, but he still dreamed of being treated like family. Not like a prince or some ridiculous ideal to live up to, but as a family. Duck followed but allowed Aegon some room to breathe.
"I need to go for a ride" he called back.
"Need me to saddle your horse?" Duck asked.
"No I need to work off steam. I'll saddle yours too, just don't let anyone in." Aegon walked into the stables and was surprised to see his horse had already been saddled. Cat was placing a bridle in the horse's mouth when he cleared his throat.
"That's not yours." Aegon said with a smile
"Just borrowing it." She said as she stroked the horses' neck. "What's his name?"
"Mirage, a gift from Arianne Martell." Aegon looked on at the huge black steed.
"I always wanted a sand steed when I was a child." Cat smiled and for a moment the wild harshness in her face melted away.
"He usually doesn't let anyone close enough to touch." Aegon stepped forward to inspect his horse for lash marks.
"He just doesn't like their smell." Cat scratched his shoulder blades and Aegon watched as his steed became as pliable and gentle as a kitten.
"You're talented but I don't think that means I can give you my steed."
"Borrow," Cat emphasized and held his gaze.
"Borrow, still can't allow it."
"What if I give you something in return?" she asked as she checked the straps.
Any other woman and Aegon would have thought it was a proposition, but she seemed more interested in his horse. "What would you give me?"
"I know the dragons, I could help you."
Aegon leaned against the stable door and waited for her to continue.
"Viserion recently went through a trauma, she won't respond to the whip. She's also more wary of strangers so she'll be the hardest to approach."
"She?"
"She," Cat shrugged her shoulders. "Her and Rhaegal fight like sisters, no one really knows how to tell but I bet you'll have a book in that big black castle about it. Rhegal is quicker towards violence but she's also curious, she'll approach first. If you feed her drop whatever meat you have and step back, it's not cowardice just caution. She'll respond to the whip some but don't push her or she'll fight back. Watch for her tail she likes to use it to stun her prey. I'd suggest plugging your ears with beeswax, she likes to screech to shock or stun those around her and it gives wicked bad headaches."
Aegon resisted the urge to stare or sound desperate. "When you comeback will you help me?"
"I won't work miracles for you, but I'll help you." Cat held his gaze and he nodded.
"Before you leave do you have any more advice?" Aegon asked as he led Mirage out.
"About dragons? Watch out for the mouth." She said with a grin.
"I meant a different dragon."
Cat stared at him and bit her lip, "You can't treat her like a woman. Everyman that wants her tries and fails. She's not some lady who will bestow her favor on you during a tourney or a serving wench who will bend over if you smile at her. She's a conqueror. Men have been trying to tell her to keep to her place and she's defeated or killed them all. You think because she's beautiful she won't see through it all. You may want to marry and fuck her, but everyman who sees her does. Don't treat her like a woman, don't let your men treat her like one. She's conquered all of Essos and rides dragons, if any man did that you would have surrendered the instant you saw his ships in your docks."
Aegon held his tongue, her words may have irritated him but they were true.
"Last bit of advice is free. Don't let your griffin touch you. When he dies don't let anyone touch the body. He reeks of sick."
"Where are you going?" he asked as she mounted Mirage.
"To see a friend." Cat dug her heels in and galloped away towards the docks.